“We Have No Idea”: Coach on Novak Djokovic Participating at Australian Open 2021 Amid Restrictions

After a successful French Open 2020, the tennis season is about to end with just a handful of tournaments left. World No. one Novak Djokovic will play at the Erste Bank Open later this month following his loss in the Roland Garros final to Rafael Nadal. Notably, both finalists have qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals, which starts in November.

Recently, 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic gave an interview to Sports Club after the lopsided French Open final. Ivanisevic, who coaches Djokovic, talked about the Serb’s humiliating loss to Nadal and Novak’s play schedule ahead.

Interestingly, Ivanisevic claimed that “Nadal has no chance under these conditions” before the final. However, he admitted that his comments were a little too ambitious and acknowledged that Nadal outplayed Djokovic tactically. With the victory, Nadal won a record thirteenth title at Roland Garros and equaled Roger Federer‘s record of 20 Grand Slam titles.

Novak Djokovic plans for Australian Open

During the interview, the host questioned Ivanisevic about Djokovic’s plans of going to the 2021 Australian Open. The Croatian talked about the compulsory two-week quarantine in Australia. He alluded that it might make it tough for Djokovic to take part in tournaments prior to the Grand Slam. However, he hailed the fighting spirit of the eight-time Australian Open champion, especially after Djokovic’s debacle at the US Open this year.

Ivanisevic said, “We have no idea. The question is what Novak will play in Australia, there is a mandatory two-week quarantine … There is time, we will sit down and make a plan. The world didn’t stop, he lost one final – Nadal felt that way last year in Melbourne, now it’s Novak’s turn. He is a winner and a fighter, he showed that even after the US Open – after that unfortunate event, he immediately returned and won the title in Rome. It will be interesting next year.” (Translated via Google translate)

Meanwhile, Nadal will head to the Australian Open aiming to become the first man in the Open Era to win each Slam twice. He has lost at Melbourne in his previous four finals appearances, the last defeat being at the 2019 Australian Open.